After dropping off my basket of gourmet treats in my hotel room, I enjoy a delicious meal in my small hotel's dining room. I will have to tell Kookie about the glazed duck with wild rice. I know he will appreciate hearing about it.

The chef here is pretty good. Maybe I'll invite Kookie here for one of the signature meals. Maybe not. It might come across as too forward.

I don't want him to think I'm just trying to get him up to my room alone for sex. I'm most certainly sexually attracted to him, but I want to know him first. See if there is more. God, I want there to be more.

As I sit at dinner alone, I feel a heavy loneliness. I've been away from home and my family for nearly two weeks now and I feel it. I'll need to find something to do here to fill my time when I'm not at the studio doing the show.

After I shower, I sit on the bed and make a call to Suga. I miss him. I also want to check in on Tannie and Zeus. I've never been away from my pets this length of time.

I really miss them. Especially this time of day. Tannie would be settling with me on the couch. I smile as I get a sweet image of Tannie, Zeus, and Uno all underfoot in the kitchen with me and Kookie.

I chuckle because with Zeus in the kitchen we'll definitely need a bigger kitchen. I hope they all will get along. Given Uno's breed, they should.

My two guys are pretty spoiled so there will likely be some territorial issues.

I shake my head in disbelief that my thoughts have drifted here. We've only known each other a short period of time and I'm setting up our home.

I hope he likes children and wants them. Again, I shake my head. How about I have my first official date with him first? Stop getting ahead of yourself Tae, I tell myself as I chuckle.

There's a lot we need to learn about each other. I've had several boyfriends in the past but nothing serious. I've never pictured a future with them the way I do with Kookie.

I've never felt so close to someone so soon. Shit, I've never felt so close to anyone, before Kookie. This thought sends a chill up my spine, as a fleeting sensation of fear passes through me. I pull in a deep breath and slowly release it with an audible sigh as a calmness sweeps over me.

I take out my phone and tap my fingers on the smooth surface thinking. Should I tell Suga about my feelings for Kookie?. He'll only be appalled and call me a silly dork.

Well, if he asks, I'll be honest. So what if he doesn't approve.? Any reservations he could have I certainly understand after knowing Kookie for less than a week.

It's a bit late there but it's time for Zeus' snack so he's up, I think, as I place the call.

"Hey Tae, how are you doing?" Suga says picking up on the first ring. "How's superstardom going.?"

"Hi Suga, I'm doing well and I'm not a superstar," I say with a chuckle as I prop a few pillows behind me and settle back for a conversation with my brother.

"How are things going there?" I ask as I feel overcome by loneliness again, just hearing his voice.

"It's all good, Tae. Work is fine and so are your animals or should I say your pets. Tannie has actually started to sit with me on the couch and it's really cute. Well Zeus, is Zeus. I just gave him his apple and he's happy and will soon be in his bed sleeping."

I feel a slight burning sensation in my chest and swallow as I hear how my pets are doing. Tannie never was that close to Suga. Well that is because Suga wouldn't allow it. I surprisingly feel a bitterness hearing how positive Tannie is responding to Suga. I shift my phone to the other ear and adjust my position hearing this.

"That's uh, good Suga," I say, lacking enthusiasm as I clear my throat. I never considered the impact that my time away would have on my pets. They are actually my family so, naturally, I'd have feelings about this.

"So you're getting your eyeful of that cooking fool in his tight ass pants?" Suga teases followed by a chuckle. "I hope you're able to compose yourself around him and not get all creepy over that idiot," he says with another added chuckle. "Your ass better not embarrass me at Christmas dinner."

I sit at attention and bite down on my lip before responding.

"Suga he is not a fool. He's smart, kind and generous," I say with an edge of irritation. "He loves his audience and works very hard. Surely, you can appreciate that value in him," I say as the other side of the phone goes quiet.

"Tae, why are you all defensive and shit?" Suga asks with a flat tone. "I always call him a fool, idiot, or dork in tight ass pants, and you laugh. It's what we do. Why all of a sudden are you coming across as if I've committed a high crime against your TV boyfriend in an apron? What this about, Tae?"

Fuck. I've exposed myself to Suga. He's right. This is what we do.

I swoon over Kookie and talk about what delicious gourmet items he's cooking up and how hot he is doing it all in those tight-ass pants. Suga indulges me and calls Kookie harmless names and we laugh. We do it often but now my reactivity has revealed a change.

"Uh, I-I just have gotten to know him better and h-he's a good guy," I stammer as I tightly close my eyes and hit my head against the headboard silently, wanting to take my reaction back.

"Keep talking because so far I'm not buying your bullshit, Tae," Suga says with annoyance.

"Okay, I'm going to say this and I don't want any of your laughing or teasing," I say as Suga goes deathly silent. "Are you there Suga?"

"Yeah, just say it dammit! It's late and I don't have all evening for your phone games! Some of us have to work in the morning!"

"I kissed him and we're going on a date." I say as I smile.

"You did what!? Did you say you kissed him!?" He says with a heightened vocal tone. Of course, he's shocked. It's only been a few days since I met Kookie.

"Yep. You heard it right," I say feeling relief that it's out in the open now.

"Did that fool call security and have your ass tossed out of there?" He says in a curious tone.

"What!? of course not. He was into the kiss also and to tell you the truth we've kissed several times over the last two days," I say as my smile broadens even given Suga's apparent and upcoming negative put down.

"Tae, don't be a fool. This guy is all Hollywood. He's slick and wants the publicity because you're a social media sensation, for now. It's all about using you for ratings. Please don't get all wound up over him. He'll hurt you." He says with a tone of compassion. I know he cares. Unfortunately, he sometimes forgets I'm an adult.

"Suga, I'm an adult who makes my own decisions and you're wrong about him. He's a good guy and ..."

"Please spare me the endorsement, Tae!" he says loudly cutting me off as he sighs with evident exasperation. "Look, I'm just looking out for my brother," he says as he softens his tone.

"While I appreciate this Suga, I'm capable of looking after myself!" I exclaim with assurance as I hear him release a long breath.

"Tae," he says with a pause. "I'm sorry. You are not one to jump in and out of relationships and I know you have had plenty of opportunities. I-I was just shocked. You haven't dated in a while. I trust you. But...",

"But, what Suga?" I ask as I lean forward waiting for him to continue.

"I just don't want you to be pulled in by his celebrity. He's a famous person, and you're a fan," he says slowly and waits for my response.

"Suga, I get your concern but the man I kissed and will be going out with is not the Kookie TV personality but Jeon Jungkook, the person. A very normal guy under all the showbiz stuff. Trust me, I know the difference and I'd like your support. I'm alone here and I'm, I'm lonely," I share as I reach down and smooth out the cover that I'm sitting on.

"Tae, I trust you. You're the smartest guy I know, next to me, obviously. You're quite rational and level-headed, but I know you can become a drooling fool over your hottie in the kitchen. Now don't get mad. Isn't that what you call him? You come rushing in the room followed by Tannie and Zeus. And when I ask what's the damn hurry and you say it's Wednesday, I have a date with my hottie in the kitchen," he says and chuckles.

I laugh because he is right. Kookie is my hottie in the kitchen, and I have drooled over him. I'm relieved Suga is at least validating some of my positive qualities.

"Hahahaha.," Yes, you are right and I know you mean no disrespect Suga. It's just I've slowly been getting to know him and I really like him. We've got a few dates planned and I'll see where it goes from there. You know I'm not looking for a quick fling. I want more. "

"You're serious. Uh, so tell me more about him and how it's been. But first, I miss you too and, it's, lonely without you around. I was thinking of taking a little time off myself and maybe coming up to the big city to see my little brother, uh that's if it's okay with you. Not seeing you until our big Christmas dinner is a bit far away," he says with a tentative voice.

I immediately lift myself forward placing my feet on the floor as I smile big.

"Suga, that would be wonderful!" I say with a heightened vocal tone.

Why had I not thought of that earlier? Well, given that most of my focus has been on Kookie I wasn't connected to my loneliness. That would be great.

There are lots of things we could do. Well, once Kookie shows me the city, I could show him. Also, him being here will cut down on my focus on Kookie and help me to take things slower.

"When can you come?" I ask excitedly.

"I have to tie up a few things at work, as you know, and make arrangements for your animals," he says listing out his responsibilities. "Tae, I can come in about 4 -5 days."

"Awesome. Hey, let me check with the hotel and see if they will allow dogs. I would love to see Tannie. Unfortunately, potbelly pigs are likely not allowed," I say with a chuckle.

"Suga, I'll contact Mrs. Yeng. She loves Zeus and has looked after him before. He also loves her. She is a bit lenient on the apples and loves to spoil him. She'll play with him and give him human contact which he must have."

I'm nearly giddy with excitement as I stand and walk over to a nearby table. I pull a small gourmet cinnamon swirl cake from my gift basket. I place my phone on speaker so I can open the package and eat the cake.

"Sounds good, Tae. Now tell me about you two dorks," Suga says in a relaxed tone followed by a chuckle as I settle in for a nice conversation with my brother.